Ashurst’s corporate practice has received a major boost after landing a role on the $30bn (£16bn) merger between Russian aluminum producers Rusal and Sual – one of the largest M&A deals on which the City giant has advised.

The UK law deal sees Ashurst client Rusal acquire domestic rival Sual, as well as the aluminium assets of Swiss commodities trader Glencore. The deal will result in the creation of the world’s largest aluminium producer.